euskalkultura.eus

01/04/2015 - Salt Lake City, UT, USA

[obituary published by The Salt Lake Tribune]

(Aulesti, Bizkaia 1927 - Salt Lake City, USA 2015)

Pete "Pedro" Urquidi died peacefully January 4, 2015, at the age of 87, surrounded by family.

Pete was born the eighth child of ten, on October 3, 1927 in Aulesti, in the Basque province of Bizkaia, to Juan Thomas Urquidi and Ana Josepha Astorkia.

Following his childhood in Euzkadi he immigrated to the U.S. in 1949 to sheep herd as a profession. Working ranches in Idaho; he earned the reputation of being a diligent and conscientious shepherd.

Eventually making his way to Salt Lake City Utah, he met his sweetheart; Cathy Garcia, who also immigrated to the U.S. from Halsou (Haltsu, Basque province of Lapurdi, France) to work in the most well-known Basque Boarding House and Hotel called "The Hogar". They were married March 21, 1955 in The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Later, with their three children, they operated "The Hogar" for 6 years, serving the Basque community as a haven for Basque immigrants traveling to ranches throughout the west.

Following marriage Pete was drawn away from the sheep ranch to work as a mechanic for the Kennecott Copper Mine in Bingham, Utah. He retired in 1985 after over 30 years of service.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957.

Pete was a kind man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and grandfather. He enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, and was an avid reader. His greatest happiness was time spent with his family who loved him dearly, many friends, and his loyal companion "Pepper". He will be remembered by all for his honesty, and integrity. He was a man without guile.

He is survived by one sister; Crescen Urquidi, three children and spouses: Nancy (Pantxo) Aguerre, Albert (Ellen) Urquidi, Yvette (Jeff) Lonardo, and six grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, his beloved wife of 54 years, and one granddaughter.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Januray 9, 2015, 12:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple. Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation Thursday, January 8, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, Utah. Committal, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 275 "U" Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent "In Memory of Pete Urquidi" to: The Basque Club of Utah, c/o Catherine Barajas 2323 Green Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.